Even in the nonpartisan race, there was a division of two distinct philosophies among the 11 candidates: those who were against a recent trend called outcomes-based education, and those who supported the concept.

Of the four who won the primary, Ms. Scott and Ms. Pecoraro are for the concept, and Ms. Albers and Mr. Bauer are against it.

"It looks as if there was a concerted effort on both sides of the issue," Ms. Scott said.

Outcomes-based education means setting specific goals for what students are to know by the end of a unit, course and their schooling.

"This issue has polarized the community," said C. Scott Stone, a school board member observing the victory of both opponents and proponents. "People are having to come down on one side or the other of an issue that has gray areas."

Those opposed to outcomes-based education said the system focuses on values and feelings instead of academics and will lead to more group learning.

But the proponents say the approach clarifies goals and does indeed focus on academics and skills for succeeding in jobs.

"Don't let the word outcomes [deter] you," Ms. Scott said. "They're simply results. Our career and tech program has been outcomes-based since its inception, and 94 percent of the students have jobs before they graduate."

Mr. Bauer and Ms. Albers were among the vocal parent activists who rose up 18 months ago to oppose the philosophy.

Much of their campaign support and contributions have come from others involved in the movement.

"I find no good in outcomes-based education," Mr. Bauer said.

While it was no surprise that Mr. Bauer and Ms. Albers came from the group of dissident parents, several of the others are relatively new faces who surfaced only this spring and summer.

Ms. Paisie said she believes the large number of candidates this year is due to widespread dissatisfaction with the board of education. She said the board has neglected to listen to parents and hold meetings in the evening when parents can attend.

Ms. Scott often found herself in the position at candidate forums of defending the improvement Carroll schools have realized, while other candidates have assailed the new direction in which the schools are going.